Covid-19 and the elderly

One of the worst sufferers of Covid-19 is certainly the elderly people of the society. Even during ordinary times, their daily lifestyle hardly allows elderly people to go out alone unless one is physically and mentally fit, or is accompanied by another person. Moreover, for a sizeable section of elderly people, going out for a walk in the morning and/or evening, spending time in a park, meeting friends, and visiting neighbours are like a daily dose of medicine so essential for their overall mental and physical well-being. The lockdown has suddenly cut down all such activities and compelled elderly persons to remain confined to the four walls of home. This has affected them both physically as well as psychologically. A United Nations report published as early as in May – which is roughly three months into the lockdown – has confirmed that the pandemic has caused untold fear and suffering for older people across the world. Though persons of all age-groups are at risk of contracting Covid-19, older persons, on being infected, are at a significantly higher risk of mortality, with those over 80 dying at five times the average rate. The UN report also said that an estimated 66% of 70-plus people have at least one underlying condition which placing them at increased risk of severe impact from Covid-19. Moreover, beyond the threat to life, the pandemic is putting older people at greater risk of poverty, discrimination and isolation. Additionally, older persons who are quarantined or locked down with family members or caregivers may also face higher risks of violence, abuse and neglect. The virus is not just threatening the lives and safety of older persons, but is also threatening their social networks, their access to health services, their jobs and pensions. And then, the physical distancing measures have affected them emotionally too, with this suffering being pronounced among women than in men. The report has also said that prolonged periods of isolation could have a serious effect on the mental health of older persons, with older persons less likely to be digitally included. This is the world, because this virus does not discriminate between the affluent and the poor, the urban and rural, the developed nation or the underdeveloped one. Given this reality, the UN report has suggested four measures, these being – (i) ensuring that difficult health-care decisions affecting older people are guided by a commitment to dignity and the right to health, (ii) strengthening social inclusion and solidarity during physical distancing, (iii) fully integrating a focus on older persons into the socio-economic and humanitarian response to Covid-19, and (iv) expanding participation by older persons, sharing good practices and harnessing knowledge and data.